Book Review: Voice of the Ocean by Kelsey Impicciche
As someone who is perpetually drawn to retellings of classic tales, I was both excited and cautious when I picked up Voice of the Ocean. Kelsey Impicciche’s debut had a curious play on the beloved "Little Mermaid" narrative, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was diving into a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of publishing one’s first novel. With a following of 1.5 million, it’s clear that Impicciche possesses a substantial platform; however, as I began the journey through Celeste’s oceanic world, I found myself grappling with the challenge of originality.
Key Themes and Characterization
The heart of the story lies with Celeste, who embodies a somewhat misguided "I’m not like other girls" trope. The parallel to Hiccup from How to Train Your Dragon is notable; while Hiccup’s empathy nurtured positive change, Celeste often felt anchored in a sea of tears and indecision. Her emotional landscape gave little reason for rooting, as I continuously wished for her to seize the narrative and take agency in her quest. The narrative struggled with a passive protagonist who dwelled on introspection rather than action, which rendered pivotal moments almost moot. A particular point of confusion arose from the opening quote, "Mermaids don’t cry," juxtaposed with Celeste’s many tears throughout the book. What a missed opportunity for a deeper characterization!
World-Building Woes
If there was one area where Voice of the Ocean truly faltered, it was in its world-building. The sirens’ society felt inconsistently fleshed out, leading to moments of confusion—how did Celeste, living remotely in the "middle of the ocean," accumulate knowledge about humanity that seemed far too advanced for her oppressive community? Pacing too was an issue; while the story relied heavily on introspection, it skirted more meaningful action moments. By the time I reached chapters burdened with dense exposition, I longed for vivid imagery instead of the narrative’s tendency towards "telling" rather than "showing."
Writing Style and Reception
Impicciche’s style exhibited both promise and pitfalls. While she crafted a few striking lines, the overall execution felt clunky, often limiting narrative engagement. This was particularly disappointing for me as a reader who values emotionally charged storytelling and clear, evocative prose. The writing would have benefited greatly from an edit pass focused on structural clarity and depth.
Conclusion: Reflections on Potential and Pleas for Originality
In summary, Voice of the Ocean left me feeling like I had watched a promising film that fell prey to clichéd tropes. It’s a book that might resonate with younger audiences or dedicated fans of fairy tale retellings, especially those who appreciate a familiar atmosphere. I genuinely hope that Impicciche learns from this initial venture and hones her craft moving forward. As for me, this endeavor may have stilled my curiosity about her future projects, but there’s always room for growth. In the end, while I won’t be rushing to continue with her works, I will be watching her journey with a hopeful eye.
If you decide to ride the waves with Voice of the Ocean, I discourage you from expecting a dazzling original take on the classic; instead, be prepared for an introspective, albeit passive journey that may not live up to its vast potential. Happy reading!
